What is the "chef's table"?

[lkmamom]

We have not sailed with Princess for quite a while but have booked a cruise late summer onboard the Carribean Princess. It is an overdue celebration for hubby and I since our son is now off to college. We are a year late but oh well.....

I read in someone's review something about a "chef's table". Would someone please explain what that is and is it worth participating in? It sounds like something I would love!

Thank you

Linda

[chrysalis]

If you do a search, you will find a number of reviews, photos and menus posted.

 

It is well worth the $75 per person

[paul929207]

The Chef's Table is a special dinner that is offered on Princess cruises. THere is an extra charge (I think $75). They only take a limited number of people. We have not done it, but have heard it is worth it.

[Sumar76]

Just got off the Caribbean Princess today.

We did the "Chef's Table" and loved it.

 

When you get on board you would call the "Dine" line on the phone and tell them you are interested in the Chef's Table. They will ask if you have any food allergies, and tell you that you would hear from them in a day or two, because the Chef has to decide when he wants to do it.

There is usually only one night where 12 people can participate. Sometimes they will add an additional night if they have a lot of requests.

It is $75 a person.

 

You will get notification via your mailbox, if you are chosen.

There are a list of rules to abide by:

No open toe shoes, etc. They will then tell you when it will be.

It was the second sea night on our cruise.

 

The Matre' d..will tell you when and where to meet him.Then he will escort you to the kitchen, after he gives everyone long white chefs coats to put on.

 

You then stand in the kitchen for about 45 minutes, drinking champagne, and having special hors d'oeuvre made for the group. We had 5 different ones, and they were presented beautifully.

 

You then are escorted to the dining room for a delicious dinner.

Again, this is a special dinner that is not offered to any other guests but you. There were quite a few courses.

 

A photographer came to take our picture. Individual couples and group photo.

 

It is really a unique experience, and if I can figure out how to post a picture on this web-site I will.

 

It is funny because when you are escorted into the dining room, everyone turns to look and you can tell they are wondering whats going on.

 

It really makes you feel special for the night.

And the $75 each is defiantely worth it.

 

You can e-mail me for any future questions.

Sue

[jettaleea]

We recently did the Chef's Table on the Sapphire in Alaska. It was an awesome 3-hour experience of special foods created by the chef for a small group of people (we had 7 passengers and 2 crew members). We received a cookbook, group photo, and long-stemmed rose as well as incredible food for $75 per person. Absolutely worth every cent.

 

jettaleea

[KENANDPAT]

Don't forget the champagne and the wine! Wine was selected for the meal choices and poured very freely. We also had dessert wine at the end. I would do it again in a flash. You have to sign on as early as you can. They only did one night while we were on the Sapphire and included 5 couples.

[lkmamom]

Many thanks for all of your resposes! Sounds like something both hubby and I would love. I will be sure to reserve as soon as we board, sounds like a do not miss!

Linda

[Iamcruzin]

We attended the Chef's Table on the Caribbean Princess Reposition sailing to New York. It is amazing! We were 5 couples including ourselves. All of the couples happened to be part of our roll call . It wasn't planned it just worked out that way. I called to make reservations as soon as I got to our stateroom which was around 1:30. By 5:30 I received the letter saying we were accepted. The letter actually got to the room before the luggage. Also not mentioned we received a cook book which they mailed to our house because they sold out of them at the cooking demo and two 8x10 photos (One group shot and one couple shot with the chef). The captain also joined us in the kitchen for champagne. The hard cover cook book, wine, champagne, and pictures are worth $75 alone. 8x10 pic sell for $25.00 each. Bring your camera if you go. They let you take pictures in the kitchen. The photo by my screne name was taken in the kitchen that night. As you can see we are wearing the white coats.

[smoosh21]

Don't forget the champagne and the wine! Wine was selected for the meal choices and poured very freely. We also had dessert wine at the end. I would do it again in a flash. You have to sign on as early as you can. They only did one night while we were on the Sapphire and included 5 couples.

And it is real champagne and good wine.

We did it on our Panama Canal Cruise and it was worth it. I would do this again next time I am on Princess.

[GrammieK]

Just wondering - I don't eat seafood - will I still enjoy the Chef's Table? I am not allergic, just not a fan. Should I say that if I am asked or do you think it would exclude me? I would really love to do it (if chosen) just for the fun of it. It sounds so wonderful...

[jfv379]

Best review I've read on the Chef's Table.

 

Don't miss it. Unfortuneately they don't have it as yet on the Island so I guess we'll miss it next year. Maybe it will be up and running by then.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=757815

[jfv379]

Just wondering - I don't eat seafood - will I still enjoy the Chef's Table? I am not allergic, just not a fan. Should I say that if I am asked or do you think it would exclude me? I would really love to do it (if chosen) just for the fun of it. It sounds so wonderful...

 

No, there is still plenty to eat without seafood.

[BananaPhone]

Best review I've read on the Chef's Table.

 

Don't miss it. Unfortuneately they don't have it as yet on the Island so I guess we'll miss it next year. Maybe it will be up and running by then.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=757815

 

 

We just did it on the Island in Alaska a week ago! We thought they didn't have it either, but were surprised to see it advertised in the Patter on the first day! The Chef said he has done about 40 of them in the last 3 months of cruising.

 

My husband and I have done it twice now (last week and about a year ago on the Caribbean Princess) and it was completely different and completely worth it both times! In addition to all the normal perks, last week the chef came and sat with our table to have a beer and chat for 30 minutes after dessert.

[Steamboatin]

Why pay for a $150 meal for wife and I when we can eat free in the dinning room?

 

No food that I have to pay $150 for and pass up a free meal will ever set well on my stomach!:D:D

[georoc01]

Why pay for a $150 meal for wife and I when we can eat free in the dinning room?

 

No food that I have to pay $150 for and pass up a free meal will ever set well on my stomach!:D:D

 

 

I think that is a call everyone has to make for all extra options, whether its a meal off the boat while in port or any of the other dining options like Sabatinis or the others offered on Princess boats.

 

For some the wine, champagne, cookbook, pix and a chance to meet the chef is worth it. For others its not.

[tmitchell82]

We did the Chef's table on the CB last month. Absolutely the highlight of our cruise. We enjoyed the company and the various appetizers and entrees. We are not seafood fans, but did enjoy the seafood they served. The service was absolutely outstanding. Yes, it does cost $75 per person, but if you think about it you get you wine (which I think would be 2 glasses of champaign, 2 glasses or white, 2 glasses of red, and ice dessert wine) which for 2 people would conservatively total $112 (figure $8 a glass) plus 2 8x10 pictures ($40) and the cookbook ($30) I think you come out ahead when compared to eating at someplace like the Crown Grill. I would definitely recommend trying it.

[Iamcruzin]

Why pay for a $150 meal for wife and I when we can eat free in the dinning room?

 

No food that I have to pay $150 for and pass up a free meal will ever set well on my stomach!:D:D

 

Since we were revisiting ports we did not sign up for excursions. We considered the Chef's Table our excursion for that week. It really is a whole different dining experience. I have spent double at resturants in New York on special occasions and have not received half of what I got at the Chef's Table. It is not just dinner it was also an education of fine cuisine and culinary art. It is not for everyone, especialy if you are just a meat and potato person. However, there is a waitlist.

[Iamcruzin]

We did the Chef's table on the CB last month. Absolutely the highlight of our cruise. We enjoyed the company and the various appetizers and entrees. We are not seafood fans, but did enjoy the seafood they served. The service was absolutely outstanding. Yes, it does cost $75 per person, but if you think about it you get you wine (which I think would be 2 glasses of champaign, 2 glasses or white, 2 glasses of red, and ice dessert wine) which for 2 people would conservatively total $112 (figure $8 a glass) plus 2 8x10 pictures ($40) and the cookbook ($30) I think you come out ahead when compared to eating at someplace like the Crown Grill. I would definitely recommend trying it.

You don't drink fast enough:D. I had at least 4 glasses of champaign. It was smooth unlike the cheap stuff they serve at the waterfall event. That stuff gives me the head shakes. They kept refilling our wine glasses too!

[screen name taken]

Why pay for a $150 meal for wife and I when we can eat free in the dinning room?

 

No food that I have to pay $150 for and pass up a free meal will ever set well on my stomach!:D:D

 

Because the meal is like no other.

Because it does not come close to the buffet selections.

Because it does not come close to the restaurant selections.

 

Because you will never forget this special night.

[Rockymountainsparky]

Why pay for a $150 meal for wife and I when we can eat free in the dinning room?

 

No food that I have to pay $150 for and pass up a free meal will ever set well on my stomach!:D:D

 

 

You snooz, you lose.

[lkmamom]

Oh no Iamcruzin......I am in trouble, it does not take much of the bubbly to do me in for the day! I am really excited to do this, I hope it works!!

Thanks to all for sharing their experiances.

Linda

[Iamcruzin]

Oh no Iamcruzin......I am in trouble, it does not take much of the bubbly to do me in for the day! I am really excited to do this, I hope it works!!

Thanks to all for sharing their experiances.

Linda

 

Call the dine line the minute you get to your room. Most people don't know about it. They advertise it in the patter on the first day and only the cruise crictic members really understand what it is about because they read the posts. When I read it in the patter on my second CB Sailing my attitude was the same as Steamboatin's. One night I spoke to someone at dinner who attended and I new the next time I sailed I wanted to try it. When I got home I also read the positive threads here.

[Garn]

If you are a foodie, it is well worth it- a truly memorable meal, and an amazing experience.

 

When we did it on the Ruby, all of those there were CCers, and everyone left happy.

[jfv379]

We just did it on the Island in Alaska a week ago! We thought they didn't have it either, but were surprised to see it advertised in the Patter on the first day! The Chef said he has done about 40 of them in the last 3 months of cruising.

 

My husband and I have done it twice now (last week and about a year ago on the Caribbean Princess) and it was completely different and completely worth it both times! In addition to all the normal perks, last week the chef came and sat with our table to have a beer and chat for 30 minutes after dessert.

 

That is great news for us. I told DW that if they didn't have the Chef's Table we would do the UBD. Now I guess we'll have to do both.

 

40 in 3 months? That's more than 3/wk. Maybe one the longer cruises they do more if the demand is there.

[JNCRUISEBUMS]

How do I find out if the Coral Princess offers this? It sounds like "to die for"!!!!! Thanks! Nancie